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A Used Volkswagen Could Be Like a New Bentley

Bentley EXP 9 F Concept

A Volkswagen can never be a Bentley.

We can’t forget, though, that the two are cousins under the ownership of Volkswagen and inherently share some DNA. In fact, VW, Bentley, Audi and Porsche will continue to get even closer, almost like siblings rather than distant cousins.

The announcement hasn’t been made official just yet but this has been rumored ever since Bentley has unveiled his EXP 9 F SUV Concept a year ago. The brand new Volkswagen MLB platform is currently being used on the new generation of the Audi Q7, which will roll off the assembly line sometimes next year, and this should help it lose approximately 350 kg (771 lbs) thanks to the use of aluminum.

Platform sharing is obviously nothing new, as companies like General Motors have done it shamelessly for decades. This is different, because it involves such high-value vehicles. A Bentley, for all intents and purposes, should not share a platform with a Volkswagen or even an Audi. Bentleys are special and should be treated with a level of respect that keeps their platforms away from platforms of more plebeian models. That’s what keeps super-luxury brands in the super-luxury category. Start sharing platforms, and the brand perception will likely sink down a few notches.

Ferraris aren’t based on Fiats, and Bentleys shouldn’t be based on Volkswagens.

Alas, I’m not the one who gets to make the call. I can just look on the bright side and know that, should the day come that I’m in the market for a luxury SUV, I can shop for a Touareg and know I’m getting the bones of a Bentley.

Should a Volkswagen share a platform with Bentley, Audi and Porsche vehicles?

3 Comments

Things have improved tremendously in the past several years. You can now buy a used car with warranties and certifications that make it as good as new. Certified cars (depending on who is doing the certification) go through a rigorous inspection to determine and maintain the quality of the vehicle.
I definitely opt for buying a used car than a new one

That Bentley reminds me of the phony kit cars that abounded in the 1970’s and 80’s. Most kits converted beetle chassis’ into unconvincing exotics, and even now i’ve seen a few kit cars around, including one for creating a bentley fake. What a disturbing thought– a Ferrari GT with the thrilling roar or a 4 cylinder beetle engine.
Potential buyers should remember that they’re getting the same thing, albeit factory produced, and knowledgable people seeing them drive down the street will get a good laugh at the person who dumps a ton of money into an ersatz bentley.